For the accomplished skier who doesn't have the space for an arsenal of winter weapons, Volkl's AC4 ski is the answer.

The medium-fat AC4s are as at home on the piste as they are bouncing through deep powder, and their new iPT Motion Binding System gives them race-sharp responsiveness. [pounds sterling]550 (01539 621 762; www.volkl.com).

THE SKIS Swedish firm POC leads the world in helmet safety. The award-winning Skull Comp provides extra safety for your head with an impact-absorbing sandwich of honeycombed urethane and hard aramid. Around [pounds sterling]200 (020 7731 5415; www.47degrees.com).

THE SCARF Men's knitwear doesn't have to feature snowflakes just because you're in the mountains. Add some class with this cashmere scarf. [pounds sterling]100, Rykiel Homme at Browns (020 7514 0000).

THE HELMET

THE BOOTWARMERS There's no need to get cold feet about a long day on the slopes with Therm-ic's Liionpack and ThermiControl battery powered bootwarmers.

The insoles can be worn all day, with the temperature remotely controlled by a fob that can be clipped to your jacket or worn round your neck. [pounds sterling]220 (0870 444 5555; www.

ellis-brigham.com).

THE GPS Garmin was one of the first companies to employ GPS for commercial use. So its GPS units, such as the watertight eTrex Vista, have a wide range of software for downloading, including maps of most North American and some European ski resorts.

The eTrex Vista also features an electronic compass and barometric altimeter, so you have no excuse for taking the wrong turn. [pounds sterling]239 (0808 238 0000; www.garmin.com/uk).

THE SKI SUIT THE SUNGLASSES To be the most fashionable on the slopes look to Stella McCartney's winter sports collection for Adidas, including jackets, neckwarmers and ski boots.